It was a passion for helping people that attracted Lindsay Blake to join the fire service in 2009, but little did she know it would also help her to understand herself.
After 15 years as a firefighter, the Watch Manager moved into a role on the Business Fire Safety Team at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) but found it difficult to concentrate on legal documents for long periods of time.
“Business Fire Safety is built around legislation, so attention to detail is key,” Lindsay, from Darlington, said.
“The qualifications that you need to carry out the role were challenging and it was after I completed these that I realised I may be neurodiverse.
“That’s why I decided to go and get tested for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and dyslexia.”
Lindsay said the diagnosis has helped her better understand herself and the support available to help her manage her workload.
“Understanding my ADHD it has given me the skillset I needed to be able to manage at work and organise myself better,” she said.
“Just because I am neurodiverse doesn’t mean I can’t do different roles in the Service, it just means I need to find different ways to manage myself.”
Lindsay hopes that sharing her story during Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 16 to 20) will encourage others to seek support at work if they need it.
“Everyone is different and has different skillsets,” she said.
“Just because someone doesn’t think and act like you, it doesn’t mean they can’t do the job.
“I would encourage everyone to be understanding and embrace our differences.
“I’d also urge anyone who is neurodivergent, or think they might be, to be open about the things that you struggle with at work so your line manager support you and look at other ways tailored to you to achieve the same objectives.”
Caption: Lindsay Blake.
